Author:

Keywords:

laser scanning, risk, heritage documentation, built environment

Abstract:

The theoretical part contains 4 chapters: Chapter 1 serves as a general introduction to laser scanning and the applications for which it can be used. Chapter 2 is a theoretical exposé of different laser scanner types and how they work. It also explains the different metrological aspects that need to be taken care when scanning and clarifies their origin. Chapter 3 explains the process of performing a laser scanning job. Every step of the process is explained in detail providing tips and tricks based on expert experiences. Chapter 4 provides a view on the problem of data management. Based on expert experiences, a set of meta-data tags is defined that are important for the dissemination and archiving of laser scanner data. The second part of the tutorial contains 3 case studies, each chosen to illustrate certain problems, benefits, purposes and limitations of the used recording technique. Each of the case studies focuses on different aspects of the laser scanning process: Heritage Case Study (St.James Church): the heritage case focuses both on the registration phase and the post processing of the data. The scale of the church and the inside-outside relationship provide an excellent challenge for linking scans taken from different positions. On the other hand, the level of detail requested and the required deliverables ask for a time consuming post-processing phase using highly specialized software. Industrial Case Study (FPSO vessel): this case study explains the possibilities of using laser scanning in surveying hazardous industrial sites. An extensive overview is given of possible uses of the processed data during the engineering phase: it also tackles the actual scanning itself using a software tool that simulates a laser scanner, providing insight on how to setup the scanner and settings the correct parameters. Civil Infrastructure Case Study (Hydroelectric Dam): this case study describes the use of laser scanning data for monitoring deformations over time. Since the scanner records surfaces in stead of single points, it provides a higher accuracy. Special focus is put on the determining the optimal laser scanning and target locations and on comparing different datasets for monitoring purposes. Decision making flowcharts have been prepared and are accessible for download in the contents of the portal. The information hub provides access to relevant web links about the didactic material and further reference material and organizations around the world.